A devastating petrol tanker explosion occurred on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway on January 25, leaving at least 18 dead, including three children.
The explosion, which took place around 11:30 am at the Ugwu Onyeama section of the road, also resulted in 13 individuals being rescued, with various degrees of injury.
According to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the explosion was caused by a brake failure in the petrol tanker. The incident involved 17 vehicles in total—15 cars, a water tanker, and the petrol tanker.
The fire destroyed 11 vehicles, while emergency responders managed to rescue 10 victims. Tragically, the remaining 18 people were burnt beyond recognition.
“Some of the victims were trying to escape when the fire caught up with them,” said Olusegun Ogungbemide, FRSC spokesperson.
The intense heat of the blaze made it difficult for bystanders and first responders to access the site, hindering rescue efforts.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, visited the scene shortly after the tragedy. He expressed his condolences, calling the incident “unfortunate” and promised swift action from the state government. “We have already initiated measures to ensure the victims receive full medical attention,” he said.
Governor Mbah also announced plans to enhance safety measures, including stricter enforcement of road rules and the installation of anti-spill locks on tankers. “We are taking quick steps as a government.
Tankers carrying inflammable substances must have anti-spill locks to prevent further catastrophes,” Mbah stated.
The governor also directed the Enugu sector commander of the FRSC, Mr. Franklin Agbakoba, and the state’s Commissioner for Transport, Mr. Obi Ozor, to enforce these new safety protocols.
“Tankers without anti-spill locks must be removed from the road,” Mbah emphasized.
The explosion in Enugu follows two similar accidents this year—one in Niger State, which claimed nearly 100 lives, and another in Delta State that killed five people.
“This is the third such tragedy this month,” Ogungbemide noted, underlining the urgency of improving safety measures for tanker transport.
In response to the situation, the state government has moved the injured to hospitals for immediate treatment. The Governor assured that the state would cover medical expenses for all affected.
The police and other law enforcement agencies are investigating the cause of the incident, with preliminary findings suggesting brake failure as the primary cause of the tanker’s loss of control and subsequent explosion. The investigation is ongoing.
